Recent Comments by pwilly

Quoth the Ravens, "T.O. a Niner nevermore."

Before all the TO/Raven fans get too far ahead of themselves, first consider two things: 1) If Jamal Lewis can't play in 2004, the Ravens are back to square one--a one-dimensional team on offense with a great defense. But now, instead of relying on Lewis's legs, Billick must rely on Boller's ability to get TO the ball. I'm sure most defensive coordinators would rather game plan against stopping TO than trying to stop Jamal Lewis. 2) If last year was any indication, Boller has a long way to go in terms of throwing the ball down the field. Granted, he really didn't have anyone to throw to other than TE Todd Heap, and Billick made it clear to anyone that would listen that he was going to run the ball. But the times that Boller did drop back he was largely ineffective. To be fair to Boller last year was his rookie year, but don't forget that TO spent a lot of time in Jeff Garcia's face for being inept (and Garcia has been to the Pro Bowl three times in the last five years) and the only reason that might not happen this season is because of Ray Lewis. So depending on what happens to Jamal Lewis, and what kind of progress Boller makes, this could be virtually the same team as last year, but now with a different weapon--but still one-dimensional.

Manning re-signs with Colts

Speaking of mismanaging the Cap Is it just me or are the Redskins seemingly the most impulsive team in football? Since when does a team give up a top five cornerback and a 2nd round pick, for arguably one of the top five running backs in the league when the upcoming draft has several quality runners? I guess the answer to that question is, right after the new ol' ball coach comes out of retirement, promptly demotes the 2nd year, star quarterback-in-the-making, to trade for an over-the-hill, oft-injured Mark Brunell--just to say he now has a veteran quarterback. Note to Joe Gibbs: There could be more good news--Vinny Testaverde is retiring and will soon be availabe to replace Brunell as the veteran, veteran quarterback. Here's an idea if you're in the Washington front office--keep Champ Bailey, trade down in the first round (they currently have the 5th pick), draft either RBs Kevin Jones or Steven Jackson and the second round pick is still yours. Don't get Brunell and start Patrick Ramsey, and the third round pick is still yours. As it stands, the Redskins now have two picks in the upcoming draft. That's a great way to rebuild a team that won five games last season

Woods wins another match-play title ...

Has anyone ever seen Tiger go to the ropes and demand his name-callers ejected? I'm guessing Tiger hears a lot more in the way of obscenities than someone yelling 'No Love!' I have some advice for DL3: Don't get mad, get better.

Should paying fans "just say no" to the Boston Celtics?

I'm currently watching the Celts (amazingly their up by 10 in the 1st), and they just showed Paul Pierce talking about how in the span of 18 months an eastern conf. contender is now a doormat. Ainge also strikes me as a few sandwiches short of a picnic. His moves are beyond questionable and when O'Brien quit, that should have raised some eyebrows. I have no idea what he hopes to accomplish with his hair-brained trades. With prices what they are, I'm sure fans can find a million other things to spend their money on (like taking up a collection to keep nomar, pedro, lowe & varitek)

Oops.

I often times find myself yelling at the television because of poor officiating--and I think the NFL has the worst of it. But I've come to realize that for the most part, these calls even out over the course of a game or a season (unless you're the Nuggets or the NYGiants vs. the SF49ers). If I had to rate officials, by sport, from good to bad it would be: 1. NBA (above average) 2. MLB (average) 3. NCAA bball (awful) 3a. NFL (deplorable) But I agree--the best thing you can do as a player/coach/fan, it to bite your lip and move on.

Oops

Teams interested in TO have to consider it a tradeoff--between a disgruntled player and one of the best WRs in the league. I'm sure teams like the Eagles and Ravens are willing to take a chance (given how bad their WRs are) and are much more interested in TO now that he can't ask for David Boston-like money (who certainly is a much bigger enigma than TO).

Oops

Earth to TO, Earth to TO--Anyone There? This is going to work out great for everyone except TO. All the leverage is now with San Fran and I'm sure they are going to create a market for this guy and get rid of him. Now they'll be able to address needs they were going to have to use draft picks on. Also, this probably brings a lot more teams back in the mix now that TO can't set his own terms. What a stroke of genius franchising Julian Peterson--who'd thunk?

Turk Wendell says its obvious Bonds has been using steroids:

My first thought is, "Remember what Bonds looked like playing for the Pirates in the early '90s?" He must have weighed 170lbs then. When I saw him after a few years in SF, he was 200+ lbs and thick (Tyson thick, not Buster Douglas thick) and I probably thought he was taking something. Raising another red flag was the fact that when people get put get bigger, it's usually between the ages of 18 - 25, not 33-38 Nonetheless, I didn't proclaim unequivocally "He's guilty" because of this and Wendell shouldn't have simply because his trainer was implicated. He may be right, but I think he should probably wait until the truth comes out.

Can Joe Gibbs bag Clinton Portis?

It looks like Joe Gibbs has taken one step closer to being committed. The trade (as I understand it) would include Clinton Portis in exchange for Champ Bailey and a second round pick. I think this trade is questionable if you're a Redskins fan. All Joe Gibbs has to do is look around the league and see that teams are succeeding with running backs taken in later rounds. Just last year the Broncos got Quentin Griffin in the fourth round and he had a breakout game against Indianapolis, and is slated to replace Portis if the trade goes through. In 2001, Travis Henry was a second round pick and Rudi Johnson was a fourth round pick--both had productive years last season. How many great cornerbacks are there in the NFL? Whatever the number, one thing is certain--there are far fewer great cornerbacks than great running backs. Knowing that, why doesn't Gibbs just draft a running back with the second round draft pick he's willing to give up to obtain Portis? That solves two problems (better running game and strong pass defense) instead of creating one (filling the void left by trading an all-pro corner).